Portugal's 25 Years of Drug Decriminalization: A Public Health Model for Reducing Overdose Deaths

Portugal's quarter-century approach to drug decriminalization demonstrates that treating drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal one saves lives. By prioritizing treatment access, healthcare integration, and social support systems, Portugal significantly reduced overdose deaths and addiction rates. In contrast, nearly 70,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2025, highlighting the urgent need for similar public health investments. Experts emphasize that effective harm reduction requires sustained commitment to connecting people with comprehensive medical and social services, offering valuable lessons for U.S. drug policy reform.